Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll: 2007 Summary Report

Iowa farm families have both hopes and concerns associated with changes unfolding across the state, especially those related to the rapid development of the “bioeconomy.” The increasing focus on renewable fuels, especially ethanol and biodiesel, brings both great expectations for grain prices and economic growth as well as worries about impacts on the environment and the structure of agriculture. The 2007 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll asked questions about these issues and related topics such as land use and future farm plans. The poll was created in 1982 by Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. It partners Extension and research programs with the needs of farm families. Data collected on issues of importance to the farming community provide input to local, state, and national leaders in their decision making process. We thank the many farm families who responded to this year’s survey and appreciate their continued participation in the poll.